PROCLAMATION 7604-OCT. 4, 2002 116 STAT. 3315 ticipating in other similar activities. Parents should set a good example by refraining from smoking and should teach their children about the health risks of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Child obesity has become a serious problem in this country. About 8 million young Americans—almost 15 percent of all children—are overweight. Obesity can cause medical complications that can lead to hospitalization for type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and asthma. Ensiuing regular participation in physical activity can help children manage weight, control blood pressure, and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints. My Administration is strongly committed to advancing programs that help children discover and understand the benefits of healthy living. The recently introduced HealthierUS Initiative will help Americans improve their health and quality of life through modest improvements in physical activity, nutrition, getting preventive screenings, and making healthy choices. Families play a vital role and can help to promote and encourage these beneficial habits. By committing ourselves to health and safety, we better enable young people to achieve their goals, live longer, fuller lives, and we strengthen our Nation. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as amended (36 U.S.C. 105), has called for the designation of the first Monday in October as "Child Health Day" and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 7, 2002, as Child Health Day. On this day, and on every day throughout the year, I call upon families, schools, child health professionals, communities, and governments to help all of our children discover the rewards of good health and wellness. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7604 of October 4, 2002 German-American Day, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As the oldest and longest-lived democracy in the world, our Nation is committed to promoting freedom, protecting liberty, and pursuing peace. For over 225 years, America has been a place where people have come to realize their dreams and enjoy the blessings of religious tolerance and individual rights. In 1683, 13 immigrant families left Germany to escape religious persecution and establish the first German settlement in North America in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Since that time, more than 7 million German immigrants have come to America, and through hard work, inno-
�
